Source: UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine
Big Chief, a 20-year-old miniature horse owned by Laura and Warren Croyle, underwent life-saving colic surgery at the UC Davis Large Animal Hospital after developing severe abdominal pain. Though he had a history of mild colic, this episode was far more serious and unresponsive to medication. Diagnostic tests revealed unusual abdominal structures, and when his condition worsened overnight, surgeons Dr. Sandra Valdez and Dr. David Orozco-Lopez proceeded with exploratory surgery. They discovered three large trichobezoars—masses of compacted chewed hair—causing a complete obstruction in his large colon.
One mass was undetectable on imaging because it lacked mineralization. The bezoars were successfully removed through a large colon enterotomy. Big Chief recovered smoothly with intensive post-operative care, including fluids, antibiotics, and pain management, and was discharged with an excellent prognosis. After a strict three-month recovery plan, he returned home healthy, rejoining his inseparable herd mates, Dex and Little Cloud.